Restoring a Wellington Icon

Wellington’s 1904 Tram No. 17, the sole surviving example of the city’s original electric fleet, was meticulously restored over four and a half years here at The Wheelwright Hub in Wairarapa.

Once withdrawn from service and later repurposed as a seaside bach in Raumati South, the tram had lost much of its original form. Through careful research, traditional techniques, and a deep respect for its history, we worked to return the tram body to its former character, reflecting its early 1940s condition.

We ensured that Tram No. 17 was not simply repaired, but thoughtfully brought back to life, preserving both its structure and its story for future generations to experience at the Wellington Tramway Museum.